Crawford University Marks 20th Anniversary With Inauguration Of Global Alumni Association, Unicorn 17 Induction

Crawford University, a faith-based institution committed to knowledge, faith, and service, has celebrated its 20th Anniversary with two historic milestones; the inauguration of the Crawford University Global Alumni Association (CRUGAA) and the induction of the Class of Unicorn 17 into the alumni body.

The inauguration of CRUGAA took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, during the 20th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Night, while the Convocation Ceremony held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, and featured the official induction of the Class of Unicorn 17 as well as the inaugural address by the Alumni President, Victor Oluwafemi Adeniji.

Both events were graced by the presence of key university officials including Prof. Solomon Makinde (Vice-Chancellor), Prof. Isaac Adegbenga Aladegbola (Deputy Vice-Chancellor), Mrs. Caroline Ogunshakin (Registrar), Mr. Gabriel Ngburuka (Bursar), Nwaogu Humphrey Oguchinalu (University Librarian), and Dr. Taiwo Oyeneye (Dean of Student Affairs), alongside faculty members, dignitaries, alumni, and families.

In his inaugural address, Adeniji described the moment as a defining turning point for the Crawford community:

“For years we postponed our potential with one word; someday. Last night, we retired someday. Today, we begin,” he declared. “We begin being a living part of the institution that formed us, a bridge and a partner, as town and gown finally unite. Crawford University must not merely survive; Crawford University must thrive.”

Adeniji outlined a three-phase vision for CRUGAA: Phase One – Building the Foundation:
Launch of a Digital Alumni Ecosystem to connect graduates worldwide through verified digital IDs, mentorship networks, venture circles, and live project dashboards. CRUGAA will activate local and diaspora chapters, review its constitution, and operationalize the Guild of Crawford Professors & PhDs to strengthen academic collaboration.

Phase Two – Empowering Alumni & Crawford: Establishment of a CRUGAA Venture Fund and Ethical Credit Union to promote entrepreneurship, cooperative investment, and financial inclusion; alongside infrastructure partnerships with the university to develop hostels, laboratories, studios, libraries, and digital connectivity projects.

Phase Three – Impacting Society: Creation of the Crawford Review & Press, the Crawford Fellowship, and The Graduate Charter; initiatives designed to promote thought leadership, research, and collaboration among African universities.

Addressing the Class of Unicorn 17, Adeniji welcomed them as the first generation of Crawford graduates to join a formally recognized global alumni body.

“You inherit three gifts; Belonging, Opportunity and Responsibility,” he told them. “Belong, build, and become; so those after you can fly higher than you did.”

The newly inaugurated CRUGAA Executive includes Temiloluwa Adebayo (General Secretary), Joshua Kazeem (Public Relations Officer), and J.S. Irinyemi (Welfare Officer).

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Solomon Makinde, Vice-Chancellor, described the inauguration as “a moment of divine alignment between vision and progress,” commending the alumni for their initiative.

“Crawford University has come of age, and this alumni body will be a critical engine of growth,” he said. “We are proud of our graduates and confident that CRUGAA will sustain the legacy of excellence and godliness that defines our institution.”

Also speaking, Prof. Isaac Adegbenga Aladegbola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, noted that the alumni association’s formation “embodies the spirit of partnership that every great university aspires to build with its graduates.”

“It is a testimony to our collective progress and faith that after twenty years, Crawford continues to produce men and women ready to give back,” he said.

The presence of the Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian, and Dean of Student Affairs at both events further underscored the administration’s strong support for the alumni initiative and commitment to fostering lifelong collaboration with the Crawford community.

As Crawford University celebrates two decades of academic excellence and moral distinction, the inauguration of CRUGAA marks the beginning of a new era; one where alumni, students, and faculty unite to build a sustainable legacy rooted in knowledge, character, and faith.